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One of the most common concerns expressed by entrepreneurs and wealthy families when establishing a trust is the fear of losing control over assets they have often spent decades building. As trustees, we encounter this concern regularly. In fact, I am currently involved in the establishment of a trust for a ultra-high-net-worth family where discussions around…

“Many South Africans are now building careers globally 🌍 Working remotely for overseas companies, consulting internationally, or earning income across multiple jurisdictions has become the norm rather than the exception. But there is a critical tax point that is often overlooked: Leaving South Africa ≠ automatically ceasing South African tax residency. Unless an individual has…

Dubai has just reached its highest ever position in the Global Financial Centres Index, ranking 7th globally That is the headline. But it is not the real story. The real story is what this confirms. Dubai is no longer positioning itself as a future financial hub. It is already operating as one of the core…

Rather than replacing Mauritius, Cyprus complements existing structures, offering a strategic platform for those expanding internationally, particularly into Europe. With its strong EU positioning, business-friendly environment, and attractive tax framework, Cyprus is well suited for: International Group Holding Structures (0% tax on dividends) Investment Holding Structures (0% CGT) Intellectual Property Tax Planning (3% tax on…

South Africa’s latest budget announcements introduce several important developments for internationally mobile families, investors, and globally structured wealth. While no broad-based tax increases have been implemented following stronger-than-expected revenue performance, South African tax residents remain subject to taxation on worldwide income and capital gains, reinforcing the importance of effective cross-border planning. Key developments include: Capital…

In an industry obsessed with being “fully digital”, I think we’re missing something — especially in South Africa and across the African markets I work in. Most clients don’t actually want a Zoom or Teams relationship. They tolerate it. Because when the conversation really matters — offshore structures, family wealth, succession, control — people don’t…

Every Fund Manager Walks In With a Thesis. Fewer Walk Out With Capital. There is a moment every aspiring fund manager experiences. Months, possibly years, possibly at the expense of relationships and sleep and a perfectly good career, have been spent perfecting the investment thesis. The strategy is airtight. The pitch deck is beautiful. The…

That was the initial advice given to an entrepreneur I recently met. He’s a Canadian citizen who wanted to structure an investment portfolio in Switzerland, with a clear objective: invest efficiently, stay compliant, and avoid unnecessary tax exposure. We paused. For a Canadian tax resident, using a trust or an offshore company can quickly lead to:…

Can a South African trust distribute directly to an offshore trust? Short answer: yes — if structured correctly. This is a topic I’m increasingly discussing with South African intermediaries and families who want to externalise wealth gradually and defensibly, rather than through blunt or rushed solutions. In principle, a South African trust may distribute capital…

Investment funds are often approached through a regulatory or tax lens. In practice, they are primarily structuring tools designed to support a strategy, protect investors, and facilitate capital raising. At their core, investment funds are used to: Pool capital efficiently Provide governance and investor protection Ring-fence risk Offer regulatory and tax clarity Enhance credibility with professional…

In conversations with South African clients, I’m often surprised at how many assume that an offshore trust is simply a “copy and paste” version of a local trust — just in another jurisdiction. It isn’t. The components may sound similar — but the mechanics and legal positioning are very different. Let’s unpack the core structural…

💼 A Family Office serves as a dedicated platform for high-net-worth families to manage their wealth, protect assets and plan for future generations 📝 By offering services like investment control, succession planning and family governance, it provides financial stability and long-term growth 📊 In simple terms, it is a great option for wealthy families to…